There have been some surprises during training camp, so it's time for a new Patriots 53-man roster projection.
Over a week of training camp has come and gone, with the first preseason game right around the corner. There have been some injuries along with some interesting developments during practice, so that makes it the perfect time for a new Patriots 53-man roster projection.
Let's get into it:
Quarterback (2)
In: Drake Maye, Joshua Dobbs
Out: Ben Wooldridge
This one is pretty self-explanatory, with Drake Maye being the face of the franchise. The team also brought in Joshua Dobbs to serve as the backup for the season, and he also brings a veteran presence to the room. Ben Wooldridge has had a nice camp so far and could be a candidate for the third quarterback spot on the practice squad.
Running Back (4)
In: Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson, Lan Larison
Out: Terrell Jennings
Head coach Mike Vrabel made it clear that Rhamondre Stevenson was at the top of the depth chart going into training camp, with Antonio Gibson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson competing for that No. 2 spot. With fullback Brock Lampe on injured reserve, Lan Larison has been getting increased reps with the top unit.
Wide Receiver (6)
In: Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Kayshon Boutte, Ja'Lynn Polk
Out: Kendrick Bourne, Efton Chism, Javon Baker, DeMeer Blankumsee, John Jiles, Jeremiah Webb
The Patriots could decide to keep more than six receivers on the roster due to the talent and competition at this spot, but at this moment, there have been six receivers who have emerged as the top unit. Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas come as no surprise, while Kayshon Boutte has had an impressive camp so far, building on his impressive season last year. Mack Hollins recently returned from PUP and immediately slotted in with the top unit, while rookie Kyle Williams has shown lots of potential. Lastly, Ja'Lynn Polk has had some nice plays since he returned to practice too.
Kendrick Bourne is hard to leave off the roster, but he has mainly been practicing with the second team. Javon Baker is another one, but he hasn't done enough. Efton Chism was once viewed as a high possibility to make the roster, but he has fallen off somewhat during training camp compared to his performance in the spring.
Tight End (3)
In: Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, Jack Westover
Out: Jaheim Bell, CJ Dippre, Gee Scott Jr.
Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper are clear roster locks, but it's that third spot that's up for grabs. So far, Jack Westover has had the best performance in camp, but undrafted rookies CJ Dippre and Gee Scott Jr. could make a late push based on their performance in joint practices and the preseason games.
Offensive Line (9)
In: Will Campbell, Cole Strange, Garrett Bradbury, Mike Onwenu, Morgan Moses, Jared Wilson, Demontrey Jacobs, Caedan Wallace, Ben Brown
Out: Vederian Lowe, Sidy Sow, Jack Conley, Layden Robinson, Yasir Durant, Mehki Butler, Tyrese Robinson, Marcus Bryant
The offensive line appears to have its starting five set, with Morgan Moses at right tackle, Mike Onwenu at right guard, Garrett Bradbury at center, Jared Wilson at left guard, and Will Campbell at left tackle. But, the depth behind them is the biggest question. Caedan Wallace has made the transition from tackle to guard this offseason and has earned praise from Vrabel. Cole Strange provides depth at the guard and center position. Bradbury departed practice early one day, and Ben Brown immediately replaced him with the top unit, showing how the coaching staff views him.
Defensive Tackle (5)
In: Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Jeremiah Pharms, Joshua Farmer
Out: Jahvaree Ritzie, Jaquelin Roy, Isaiah Iton, David Olajida
This is one of the strongest positions for the Patriots this season, with Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, and Jeremiah Pharms having all proven themselves. Joshua Farmer has faced his share of struggles during training camp, but he possesses considerable potential.
Edge (6)
In: Harold Landry, Keion White, K'Lavon Chaisson, Anfernee Jennings, Bradyn Swinson, Truman Jones
Out: Elijah Ponder
Anfernee Jennings was on the bubble due to the new system, but he has had a very good camp. Truman Jones was another one who was on the outside looking in, but he was named an offseason award winner, proving that the coaching staff likes what they are seeing.
Linebacker (4)
In: Robert Spillane, Jack Gibbens, Christian Elliss, Jahlani Tavai
Out: Marte Mapu, Monty Rice, R.J. Moten
Marte Mapu is finally getting the opportunity to focus on linebacker rather than safety, but the room is very talented with numerous established veterans in the room. Because of that, he is one who, unfortunately, would be pushed just off the roster.
Cornerback (6)
In: Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones, Alex Austin, Marcellas Dial, D.J. James
Out: Miles Battle, Kobee Minor, Brandon Crossley, Isaiah Bolden, Jordan Polk
Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis will be the starters this season, but the depth behind them is very important. Alex Austin has that third spot locked down, while D.J. James has been a training camp standout. Meanwhile, Marcus Jones and Marcellas Dial are both crucial on special teams.
Safety (5)
In: Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, Jaylinn Hawkins, Craig Woodson, Brenden Schooler
Out: Marcus Epps, Dell Pettus, Josh Minkins
Dell Pettus is another one who will be tough for the Patriots to cut considering his impressive performance during his rookie season after signing with New England as an undrafted free agent. But, with Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers as the presumed starters, along with Jaylinn Hawkins' two interceptions during the in-stadium scrimmage, it seems hard for him to get in. The Patriots drafted Craig Woodson, so that's someone they want to develop, and Brenden Schooler is a no-brainer.
Specialists (3)
In: Andres Borregales, Bryce Baringer, Julian Ashby
Out: Parker Romo
The kicker position is the only real competition on special teams, and while both Andres Borregales and Parker Romo have had a solid training camp, Borregales has the upper hand here.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots 53-man roster projection ahead of preseason opener
Category: Football
